Can precision agriculture be used in the management of a Fe and Zn biofortification workflow in organic tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum L.)?

Is expected that the population worldwide might reach 9.15 billion by 2050, being therefore imperative to increase food production. As such, the development of smart farming technology is an important key food production issue. In fact, through the use of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), it’s possible to create normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) maps, that can indicate, namely, health and vegetation vigor. In this context, this study aimed to assess the state of three tomato varieties (beef heart, “chucha” and apple) in the framework of a biofortification workflow with Fe and Zn, following an organic production mode. In a tomato experimental production field (GPS coordinates - 39° 41’ 48,517’’ N; 8°35’ 45,524’’W), six foliar applications were carried out during the production cycle, with a mix of Zitrilon (15%) (0.40 and 1.20 kg.ha^-1) and Maxiblend (1 and 4 kg.ha^-1). NDVI was determined (after the 2^nd foliar application) and showed a maximum of 0.86 (on a scale from -1 to 1), whereas the color of leaves (using the CieLab scale) varied significantly, after the 3^rd foliar application. Moreover, in freshly harvest tomatoes (assessed through spectrophotometric colorimeter) no changes were detected, but an increase of Fe and Zn content was found in the leaves and of Zn in tomatoes (except in “chucha” variety). The use of precision agriculture techniques in correlation with the other analysis is discussed.